<p>I know Pennsylvania has a filial responsibility statute. It’s very scary. Especially if only one (of many) children lives in Pennsylvania – that child could theoretically be liable for the full cost of care, not just a fair share of it. The statute does imply that there are limits based on the child’s ability to pay, but those limits are fuzzy.</p>
<p>The state has never tried to enforce the statute in connection with elderly people on Medical Assistance (Medicaid), although it was enacted as part of an MA reform. Several nursing homes have sued adult children of residents for nonpayment of bills when the residents’ funds were exhausted.</p>